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uk Sexual violence & highly sensitive situations

What to do if…
you are in immediate danger of sexual assault and cannot leave safely

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

At the earliest safe pause, call 999 and ask for the police. Give your location first if you can do so safely; if you cannot speak on a mobile, listen and press 55 when prompted.

Do not do these things

  • Do not confront or warn the person if that may increase the danger.
  • Do not make a sudden attempt to leave if you believe it will be noticed and put you at greater immediate risk.
  • Do not record, photograph, or try to collect evidence while the danger is continuing.
  • Do not spend time deciding whether the situation has the correct label before seeking emergency help.
  • Do not worry about being polite or protecting the other person’s feelings.
  • Do not blame yourself for freezing, staying quiet, or doing what seems least dangerous.

What to do now

  1. At the earliest safe pause, call 999, ask for the police, and give your exact location first. Include the building, room, vehicle, street, or nearest landmark if you can.
  2. If you cannot speak and are calling from a mobile, stay on the line, listen, and press 55 when prompted. Pressing 55 transfers the call to police but does not by itself tell them your location.
  3. If making a call would be noticed and increase the danger, send a brief message when it is safe to do so to someone you trust, such as: “Call 999. I am at [location]. I cannot leave safely.”
  4. Move towards other people, staff, security, or a place you can secure only if you can do so without increasing the immediate danger. Otherwise, remain where you are and look for the next safe opportunity to contact help.
  5. Follow the emergency operator’s instructions. Tell them immediately about any weapon, injury, blocked exit, or other person in danger.
  6. When responders reach you, tell them first about the continuing threat and any urgent medical need. A fuller account can wait until you are safer.
  7. Once the immediate danger has ended, go to a trusted person or staffed safe place. If you have been assaulted or injured, ask for medical care or contact a specialist sexual violence service for immediate support.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now what should happen after the immediate danger is over. A full account, decisions about reporting, and longer-term housing, work, study, or relationship choices can wait until you are safer and have support.

Important reassurance

Freezing, staying quiet, complying, or being unable to leave does not make you responsible for what someone else does. You can ask for emergency help even when you are uncertain what the person intends or how to describe the situation.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps during the earliest safe pause. Medical care, reporting choices, legal options, safeguarding, and continuing support may require specialist help once you are safer.

Important note

This is general information, not a substitute for emergency, legal, medical, therapeutic, or other professional advice. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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